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Commonly heard complaints from boaters are "My wetshoes dry slowly" and "My shoes really stink." The problems are related. Neoprene shoes don't "breathe" so moisture escapes slowly unless you work to eliminate it. And bacteria and other microorganisms in the water and from your feet can generate odors in those moist conditions. This video shows how to clean and dry watershoes to head off odor. And if stinky shoes happen, we show how to eliminate it.

I bought these to keep gravel out of my shoes when I'm wading creeks and small rivers. All other wading shoes I've had didn't do the job. These shoes are AWESOME in that...Read complete review

I bought these to keep gravel out of my shoes when I'm wading creeks and small rivers. All other wading shoes I've had didn't do the job. These shoes are AWESOME in that respect. Not a single pebble, sand, or anything will reach your feet. Traction is good, not great but plenty good for what I'm doing.One thing you DONT want to do in these....hike. Protection for the sides of your feet are minimal. Also, the soles are not real thick and you will feel rocks on your feet. In fact, if you wade creeks all day, you're feet will be sore the next day. I assume that if they were thicker, the sole would not flex, and you'd practically have to cut them off you're feet. They are also warm. I fished out of my boat with these on, and my feet were on fire. Had to get in the water to keep my feet from actually being in pain. Also, these run small. Order 1 size bigger, or you'll be reordering like I did. Bottom line. If you are walking on sand, or small gravel, you can't beat these shoes, but for wading shoals with larger river rock up to the size of your fist, they are not as thick in the sole as they need to be.

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Most Liked Negative Review

Ankles very small - not stretchy

I am a size 9, have always been even with 2 other NRS booties. Size 9 I could not get on- If I really tugged and pulled way too hard I could get...Read complete review

I am a size 9, have always been even with 2 other NRS booties. Size 9 I could not get on- If I really tugged and pulled way too hard I could get them on, but seems like undue stress that will dameage them longterm.

The toe box is wide, and the sole is small enough to fit in my small kayak. If I get wet briefly above my ankles, the snug fit doesn't allow water inside. The best thing is the comfort, feeling like a warm pair of socks, even when wet. I bought three pairs.

Got these for an Adventure Week in Belize that included repelling down waterfalls, kayaking underground rivers, white water kayaking, surf kayaing, SUP surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing. They worked great for everything.

Great kayaking shoe. They run a little small so buy about one size larger. Pulls on and off easily without a zipper. Heavier than normal sole makes walking on rocks comfortable. Tight fit around ankles keeps out small stones. Overall compact design fits well in tight kayak.

Yes, they should work. I have a Kokatat and the dry suit ankle cuffs fitOVER and velcrow around the high top on these wet shoes. One thing to notethat is a bit of a trade-off and sometimes annoys me is the sole and sidesof these shoes is perhaps a bit too flexible. The shoes can slide aroundthe drysuit booties and get out from the sole/bottom of your foot in worstcases when pressed such as walking on the side of a hill/bank. The shoeflexibility comes mostly because they're thinner and that's what I need whenmy feet are tucked into the tight bow of my kayak. Hence the trade-off.

Answered on 2/22/2015 by madraver from Atlanta

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I'm sure you can. They fit on my feet with 2 pairs of socks on and my dry suit booties on. They do take a bit more of tugging to put on when I've got all that stuff on though.

Answered on 2/23/2015 by Anonymous

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They should work fine, I use mine with my drysuit that has gortex booties.The shoes are a stretchy Neuroprene type material.

Answered on 2/22/2015 by Anonymous

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Sorry have not used with dry pants only farmer John wet suit. The wet shoes are great.Sent from my iPad

Answered on 2/22/2015 by Anonymous

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I use them with a pair of Bomber Gear drypants which have similar gaskets to the NRS. They fit fine. Nice water shoe, but if you are doing a lot of portage, I would get something a little tougher, like the Astral.Sent from my iPad

Generally no, your feet still get wet when splashed a bit and surely ifsubmerged.These are great to keep your feet under your body (reduce slip/fall), safefrom sharp rocks and warmer.

Answered on 12/8/2014 by madraver from Atlanta

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Hi Cathy,No they are not waterproof. They are made out of neoprene like a wetsuit.The only way to be waterproof is to buy a drysuit.BTW-many of us wear these--they are pretty good and offer protection fromrocks and zebra mussels. Just make sure you order your normal size or asize bigger; they run small.

Answered on 12/7/2014 by Anonymous

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Not waterproof. The neoprene absorbs water and you will have a little water in your boot when you take them off. However they keep your feet warm even when wet.Sent from my iPhone - Please excuse any brevity

Answered on 12/7/2014 by Anonymous

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Hi Cathy,While these wetshoes are a great improvement over previous Desperado models, as a wetshoe, they should not be confused with waterproof paddling shoes (which, in my opinion, never perform to par). What you can expect, though, is a wetshoe that does kepp out sand and other river debris. I find that they are very warm, even in sub-zero temperatures…yes, I paddle until the ice forms on the edges of the rivers and lakes. One thing that I do wear under them, though, are thin fleece socks, that better facilitate putting them on and taking them off, with a minimum amount of stress on the shoes. Hope this helps.John (“Tekno”)

Answered on 12/6/2014 by TeknoJohn from Upstate New York

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No, not waterproof but I think they do a good job keeping your feet warm .Sent from my iPhone

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Anonymous

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Hi Cathy,No, not waterproof...think more like a wetsuit, water will come. When it gets colder I wear mine over some hydra socks and for really cold water they are perfect over a dry suit. There is a thin fleece / pile lining that helps insulate the foot area (but wear smart wool socks under the dry suit anyway)Sent from Bernard's iPad

Answered on 12/6/2014 by BL from Quebec, Canada

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No they are more like a wet suit- not dry but warm!Sent from my iPad

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Debbie from lebanon,nh

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No, these are not waterproof. They are made out of neoprene so water will come through.I have found them to be an excellent boot for kayaking, the sole is hard wearing great for walking over rough terrain. They also keep your feet warm.CheersKaySent from my iPad

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Anonymous

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No these are not water proof, they are intended to be a 'wet' shoe. Butthey will keep your feet warm in colder waters (55 F and above).

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Anonymous

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They are waterproof as long as the water doesn't go over the top.Mark WendolowskiExpress Plumbing, Heating and Solar Services LLCPO Box 965Easthampton, MA 01027Sent from my iPhone

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Anonymous

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I love these shoes and they will keep your feet almost completely waterproof because of the tight seal at the top of the ankle. Water that does manage to sneak in there heats up fast and stays warm againist your foot. I wear them with my dry suit all the time in cold water boating on the East coast and wouldn't wear anything else!John Mein

Answered on 12/6/2014 by Anonymous

NRS Desperado Wetshoe - Closeout

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I wear a men's size 9.5, and plan on wearing 2mm neoprene socks with these booties. What size would work the best for me?

TJ, I believe you'll need the size 11 to accommodate that sock. Be aware that the HydroCuff top is snug fitting and will make inserting the foot/sock more difficult. The 3 mm shoe itself if pretty warm.

Answered on 6/23/2014 by Clyde from NRS

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I wear a 10.5-11, depending on the shoe. I ordered an 11 and it was good. It could not be any shorter and still fit though. I don't wear socks with them.Sent from my Windows Phone

Answered on 6/21/2014 by Anonymous

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I'm a 9.5 too but ordered the 10s because of the neoprene socks I wear in colder weather. Seems to be enough room but it is a little tight.Sent from my iPhone

I wear this shoe over my sock (med weight hiking sock) and drysuit sock. Ibought the shoe 2 sizes larger than my regular shoe size for this reason.I've worn it on occasion w/o the drysuit and it fit just fine with justthe hiking socks. Just depends on how many layers you wear kayaking!NLeBlanc

Answered on 3/27/2014 by River Lover from Seattle, WA

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You don't have to wear socks, plenty comfortable without them but I'vefound wearing a pair of Neuroprene socks helps to keep the smell out of theshoes if I'm not wearing my dry suit booties. Makes them stay bearable alot longer. If I wear a dry suit I'll typically wear normal socks insidethe dry suit to keep the gortex booties from rubbing my feet. Overall goodshoes, I had an unfortunate 5 to 6 mile hike in these shoes a few monthsago and they held up well.

Answered on 3/27/2014 by Anonymous

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No socks. It is very comfortable without socks. These boots are great.Sent from my iPad

Answered on 3/26/2014 by Anonymous

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no socks

Answered on 3/26/2014 by Anonymous

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Yes I wear a sock. In the winter I wear a thick sock inside my dry suit goretex sock inside the shoe. I bought the shoe one size bigger to accommodate this.Rick

Answered on 3/26/2014 by Rick from Fox Island, WA

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Ed,I have worn this shoe both with and without a sock. I bought the shoe a size larger than usual so that I could wear a heavy neoprene sock in very cold water conditions and that has worked great. I have also worn it with a light polypro sock for side canyon hikes in the Grand Canyon when it was very warm weather and the shoe performed well. It didn't seem too loose, didn't cause blisters. It has good grip, (way better than my sport shoed companions)but obviously is not torsionally as stiff as a hiking shoe. I have also worn the shoe with no sock in warmer water while in the boat, no hiking, and it was comfortable that way as well. Make sure you buy it large enough to accomodate a sock if you are to use neoprene. As I said I went one size larger and it easily fits a 4mm neoprene sock. Hope this helps

Answered on 3/26/2014 by RJ from AZ

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Although the Desperado's are lined with a nice, soft against-the-skin fleece-ish layer which dries fast and helps slide your foot in out out quite well; I still wear a thin, low cropped runner's sock inside. Just make sure the sock is short enough not to interfere with the cuff seal. I wear these fishing in the surf line and while kayak fishing and have been amazed at how well they keep my feet dry and comfortable.Mark

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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Sure do! I wear a pair of socks and can fit my dry suit booties inside also for winter time. Then in the summer, I usually wear a pair of super thin socks underneath.

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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I only wear socks when I wear a dry suit. Hate wet socks.Sent from Yahoo Mail on Android

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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I wear this without socks.Sent from my iPhone - Please excuse any brevity

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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I wear it with wool socks for warmth

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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No I don't, this is my summer shoe. I normally wear a 9.5 athletic shoe,and the size 10 Desperado fits perfect in bare feet. In the cold weather Iwear the NRS Cross 4 with hydoskin socks.

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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No Socks. Socks get wet and make for a soggy feel. Also, they have aform-fit that makes it hard to get on over socks.

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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No sock.Sent from my iPhone

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

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Nope! They are really comfortable too, I highly recommend them!

Answered on 3/25/2014 by Anonymous

NRS Desperado Wetshoe - Closeout

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I have just received a pair of the desperado wet shoes as a gift. The size is a men's 8. They are very small. I have a wide foot. I usually wear a size 9 shoe. Would a size 9 be adequate? Or should I size up to a 10 . I see to see several recommendations to do this.

I have several of these. I think the six=zing is pretty accurate. If you wear a size 9, I think I would order a size 9.. Better yet find a store that sells them and try them on.

Answered on 7/2/2013 by Wh8h2ORafter from Ft Collins, CO

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I strongly recommend going one size larger than your normal shoe, especially if you will wear a neoprene or an insulated lycra sock. I have a wide foot, wear a 10 and bought 11's with a thin water sock and they worked well in the boat and on short day hikes and scouting rapids, sometimes scrambling over pretty rough terrain. They were definitely not too loose. Pretty sticky rubber too.RJ

Answered on 7/3/2013 by RJ from AZ

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I usually wear a size 10 shoe, but the size 10 desperado was too tight. I had to go up to size 11. If you wear a size 9 shoe, I suggest the size 10 desperado.

Answered on 7/2/2013 by Anonymous

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Try a 9 with a medium Hydro Sock. MikeiPad Message

Answered on 7/3/2013 by Anonymous

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I got my normal shoe size and it fits fine. They are great!

Answered on 7/3/2013 by Anonymous

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Go a size upSent from my iPad

Answered on 7/3/2013 by Anonymous

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Hi!Bought a pair of desperado wet shoes for my son earlier this year. He has a slim foot, normally a size 11-12 in shoes. Bought size 11. Perfect, but snug fit. Very comfortable.GreetingsMonicaSent from my iPad

Answered on 7/3/2013 by Anonymous

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I also have a wide foot but ordered my regular shoe size (10) and they fit just right with a Hydroskin sock or barefoot. I would consider getting a size up only if I was going to wearing them with a dry suit with socks.Sent from Bernard iPhone

Answered on 7/3/2013 by BL from Quebec, Canada

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I wear a size 9.5 shoe, but in this wet shoe I have a size ten. It is a little lose with bear feet but when I put it over my dry suit socks with reg socks it's perfect. So I'd get the 9 for bear feet. It has a wide toe box.Jeremy Bonnough

Answered on 7/3/2013 by JB from OHIO

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The Desperados are pretty true to size and there's a roomy toe box. If you wider feet than average you may find the 10 more comfortable, especially if you want to wear socks inside the shoe.

Answered on 7/3/2013 by Clyde from NRS

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My husband normally wears a size 10.5 (5 E width) and ordered a size 12(instead of an 11). He wears a thin sock and dry suit w/booties and theshoes fit him just fine.

Answered on 7/3/2013 by River Lover from Seattle, WA

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Hi, I just recently purchased the desperado shoes and love them. Igenerally wear a 10.5 for street shoes and sneakers and purchased the size11 desperado. It just fits. If my foot was a full size 11, the desperadosize 11 would probably be uncomfortably short.Hope that helps.Paul

Answered on 7/4/2013 by Anonymous

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They are a small make. I went a size larger.

Answered on 7/5/2013 by Anonymous

NRS Desperado Wetshoe - Closeout

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I'm involved in downriver racing with an open canoe. Some of the races include portages over moderate terrain (e.g., up slippery hills, across granite outcroppings) where you are trying to move at speed carrying the boat. Do I need something with a tougher sole, or will this shoe have the traction and durability to handle that kind of usage?

Eric, the Desperado has a tough sole with good traction. However, for the use you describe I would want a shoe with either laces (like the Workboot) or an instep strap (like the Cross-4 or ATB), to hold my foot firmly and give more lateral stability.

Answered on 3/7/2013 by Clyde from NRS

NRS Desperado Wetshoe - Closeout

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Is the sole on this wetshoe thicker than the sole on the 'closeout' model?Is this a better shoe than the 'closeout' model?

The new model and closeout model have the same sole thickness. I think you'll really like the improvements we've made to the Desperado - our VaporLoft lining that doesn't absorb water and dries quickly, the HydroCuff top that helps seal out debris and seal in warmth, and the rubber stabilizing bands that provide side-to-side stability.

Answered on 2/14/2013 by Clyde from NRS

NRS Desperado Wetshoe - Closeout

Q:

What would be the appropriate size for a woman who wears an 8-8 1/2 regular shoe?

Most of our shoes are in men's sizing. Women will want to order one size smaller. A woman wearing a size 8 women's shoe will more than likely fit in a size 7. If she'll be wearing wetsocks or using the shoe with drysuit sock, she should go up a size. A couple of our shoes run small, we've made note of that in the Product Info section on the online product page.

I want a wetshoe to have traction and to protect the foot area of my Kokatat SuperNova Tropos drysuit. Can't have any holes there! My foot size is 11. Should I buy a size 12 to accomodate warm woolen socks and the drysuit thickness?